Sedation Dentistry

Sedation Dentistry Options for Your Child in Lorton

For some, dental procedures can seem intimidating—especially if the child is naturally more on edge. At Petite Smiles, our primary objective is to provide our children’s pediatric dentistry patients with a positive, pain-free dentistry experience in a safe, stress-free setting.

One way that we can help our young patients feel more comfortable and confident in the dentist’s chair is by offering nitrous oxide and oral sedation at our Lorton, VA location.

What is sedation dentistry?

Our Lorton dentist applies sedation dentistry by safely providing medication to help young patients sit back and relax during dental procedures. Although sedation dentistry is sometimes referred to as “sleep dentistry,” this term is not always on the nose.

At Petite Smiles Boutique Dentistry, we offer conscious sedation, which allows kids to be in control of their bodies while reducing distress and discomfort.

When is dental sedation appropriate for children?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry deems nitrous oxide and oral sedation safe for children. The objectives of nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation include:

Reduce or eliminate anxiety.
Enhance communication and patient cooperation.
Raise the pain reaction threshold.
Increase tolerance for longer appointments.
Aid in treatment of children with special health care needs.
Reduce gagging.

Nitrous Oxide vs. Oral Sedation

If you’re interested in pediatric sedation dentistry in Lorton, VA, then you’re probably wondering which option is best for your child. At Petite Smiles, we offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation, but you might be asking yourself:

What’s the difference between nitrous oxide and oral sedation?
Is one better than the other?
Which sedation dentistry option should I choose for my child?

Let’s deep dive into these curiosities by comparing these two sedation dentistry methods:

Nitrous Oxide

Commonly known as “laughing gas,” our sedation dentist administers a safe mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen via a comfortable mask placed over the nose. In turn, our young patients inhale laughing gas and generally feel more relaxed and generally feel more relaxed as if they are floating. This form of sedation is less intense and effectively reduces anxiety or fear and discomfort in the dentist’s chair. Nitrous oxide also allows us to perform dentistry on those patients with severe gag reflex issues. This light form of sedation, relaxes the gag reflex, allowing our patients to comfortably experience their dental treatment.

Oral Sedation

On the other hand, oral sedation is taken like a pill or liquid medicine. Oral sedation in pediatrics is administered in-office under the supervision of the doctor in a liquid form. Generally, it is digested before the scheduled dental appointment. As this potent, prescribed anti-anxiety enters the bloodstream, your child might experience grogginess, tiredness, and retrograde amnesia—but still conscious and able to respond to commands.

While both sedation dentistry treatment options are great go-to’s, Dr. Rashed can help you decide which method is more suitable for your child’s needs.

General Anesthesia

At Petite Smiles, we offer in-office general anesthesia to provide a stress-free and painless experience for both children and their parents. Under the skilled supervision of board-certified pediatric anesthesiologist, Dr. Teresa L. Roberts, your child will be smoothly transitioned into a state of controlled unconsciousness. This carefully managed process means that they will remain asleep throughout the procedure, completely unaware and free from any discomfort. This approach allows our team to carry out necessary dental treatments with precision and care. Our dedication to safety, comfort, and excellence makes Petite Smiles the right choice for parents who demand the highest standard of dental health care for their children. To be considered for general anesthesia, patients must meet specific criteria, and its use is reserved for particular dental procedures.

Hospital Dentistry

We are dedicated to providing exceptional dental care tailored to the unique needs of our young patients, which is why we are proud to offer Hospital Dentistry. This specialized service elevates the standard of care by utilizing the comprehensive resources and advanced medical environment of a hospital setting, specifically at Inova Children’s Hospital, where Dr. Heba Rashed holds privileges. Hospital Dentistry is ideal for children who require more extensive dental procedures or those with special healthcare needs that necessitate the advanced care only a hospital can provide. With Dr. Rashed’s expertise and the state-of-the-art facilities at iNova Fairfax Children’s Hospital, parents can rest assured that their child will receive the highest level of dental care in an environment equipped to handle any requirement.